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Date:
Friday, May 2, 2025
Time:
c. 10:10 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Robinson R44 Raven II
Owner/Operator:
Helicopter Adventures Pty Ltd
Registration:
VH-CTT
MSN:
12599
Year of Manufacture:
2008
Engine Model:
Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 3
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Destroyed
Location:
Sea off Point Lonsdale, VIC – Australia
Phase:
En route
Nature:
Private
Departure Airport:
Barwon Heads Airport, VIC (YBRS)
Destination Airport:
Not specified
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media, or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
On May 2, 2025, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter operated by Helicopter Adventures Pty Ltd crashed into shallow water near Point Lonsdale on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula. The incident occurred approximately 30-40 meters offshore along a beach between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove at around 10:10 AM local time.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reported that the helicopter’s engine failed during an air transport flight, forcing the pilot to ditch the aircraft in the water. All three occupants—a pilot and two passengers—survived the crash but sustained serious injuries. Emergency services, including Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Ambulance Victoria, surf lifesavers, and the Country Fire Authority (CFA), responded to the scene.
Due to the remote and challenging location of the crash site, emergency responders faced significant logistical challenges. Senior Station Officer Mathew Kneebone from FRV noted that fire crews had to walk over sand dunes as their vehicles could not access the area directly. Bystanders played a critical role in providing initial first aid and assisting with the relocation of patients as the incoming tide rapidly encroached on the scene.
Two of the injured—a woman in her 40s and a man in his 50s—were airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in stable condition, while a second man in his 50s was transported by road to Geelong University Hospital.
The helicopter was destroyed upon impact with the water. The ATSB has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine failure and the circumstances surrounding the ditching. Investigators will examine factors such as mechanical issues, environmental conditions, and operational procedures.
This incident highlights the risks associated with helicopter operations over water, particularly when engine failures occur. It also underscores the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts in remote or difficult-to-access areas.
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.